Review of Gran Torino (2008) by Phil H — 13 Dec 2012

If yr expecting a 'Dirty Harry' style flick then turn off now, this is actually a slow burning film about a grizzled racist old war vet who is struggling to cope with life after his wife dies. He must deal with his fading health, his family, neighbours he doesn't like and local hoods. To be honest I was expecting to see more stuff revolving around the car, seeing as the film is named after it. It is central to the plot but only in the background really, I was thinking this was a kind of 'Fast n Furious' type of thing. Instead this is more like an adult version of 'The Karate Kid'.

Its very good and very well made (Eastwood movies normally are), the acting is all very good apart from the occasional obvious lack of experience from Eastwood's young thespian partner and his family members, but it still looks and feels real.

Eastwood is perfect as the old racist who slowly comes to like his Korean neighbours, his style is a little cliched and we have seen him in this role type before but he does it well. The film is a typical Eastwood flick really...its realistic and quite emotional in places but it also has the cute little lines and visual gags that Eastwood dots around to lighten the load. Some of which raises a smile perfectly yet some is kinda cringe worthy and a bit old fashioned, a sign of the Clint's age I'm afraid, buts its all very pleasing to watch.

Clint doesn't go around beating up hoodlums or pretending to be an action man, he's very normal and plays the role bitter and tortured. Its great to see him stand up to youths and give em a mouthful (racism in full flow), basically freak them out with his kamikaze way of dealing with situations, but its also a little silly to see as well. He's an old man who really couldn't do anything in the film or reality, the man with no name loner thing is a touch outta date really but its still enjoyable. Eastwood actually looks a lot like my dad in this which was a bit weird lol!.

Very good film if rather unoriginal from Eastwood, the ending is sad and I wanted to see more really but I guess the film leaves you wanting that extra bit which is a good thing. Just don't expect much action with the Torino.